Dr Tiffany Gill

Dr Tiffany Gill is an Senior Research Fellow in the Adelaide Medical School at the University of Adelaide. Between 2011 and 2015 she was an NHMRC Early Career Fellow focusing on epidemiological issues and health system impacts (including costs) of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions (particularly osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)) within Australia. She originally trained as a physiotherapist and then developed a research interest focusing on the epidemiology of musculoskeletal conditions. Prior to joining the University she worked as a physiotherapist in both the public and private sectors and as a chronic disease epidemiologist with SA Health. She is an Associate Investigator for the North West Adelaide Health Study, a cohort study in the northern and western suburbs of South Australia.
Tiffany is passionate about addressing the impact of musculoskeletal conditions on the population and the translation of research findings to the population. She has been a long term member of the Board of Arthritis SA and Vice President since 2012. She has also mentored undergraduate and post-graduate students and early career researchers. Tiffany's research continues to aim to increase population awareness and the focus of policy makers on the epidemiological, health economics and population effects of musculoskeletal disorders in the population.

The epidemiology of musculoskeletal conditions in the population

MSK conditions impact on every aspect of a person’s life and bring pain, suffering, inequality and disability into the lives of adults and children. Most of us know someone with an acute or chronic MSK problem such as neck, back or foot pain, or arthritis. MSK conditions not only affect the sufferer but also involve people around them, who are relied on for care, creating an additional burden. MSK problems lack targeting data, have inadequate policy support and costs are underestimated, yet the accrued impact on disability adjusted life years is considerable. My work focuses on the epidemiology of musculoskeletal conditions. My broad vision is that this work will assist in understanding the patterns and intervening with MSK conditions in Australia. Further, it will provide new insights to guide the development of more effective intervention and treatment strategies, and assist with future planning of health care services for MSK conditions in Australia, and potentially internationally.

Prescription Medicines, Over-the-Counter Medicines and Complementary and Alternative Medicines Use in Baby Boomers and Older South Australians and their Association with Health Outcomes (as Assessed by Health Services Use and Quality of Life)